US Park Info: Craters of the Moon National Monument

Established in 1924, the monument celebrated its 75th birthday in 1999. The Craters of the Moon Lava Field covers 618 square miles and is the largest young basaltic lava field in the conterminous United States. The monument preserves 83 square miles of it for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The park contains more than 20 volcanic cones including outstanding examples of spatter cones. There are 60 different lava flows on the surface, and they range in age from 15,000 to just 2,000 years old. There are excellent examples of pahoehoe, semihoe, aa, and block lava, as well as rafted blocks, tree molds, lava tubes, and many other volcanic features. The north end of the monument contains a portion of Goodale's Cutoff, which is part of the Oregon Trail. lthough a desolate looking place, the park thrives with wildlife. More than 350 species of plants and 43 mammals can be found in the park and more than 160 different species of birds have been seen here. The 7 mile loop drive provides a unique view. Hiking trails range from 1/4 to 11 miles round trip.

 

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Basic Information on Craters of the Moon National Monument

Monument is open 24 hours all year. The visitor center, which has a museum with state of the art exhibits that explain the natural and cultural history of the area, is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM between Mid-June and Labor Day. The rest of the year it is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, except for winter holidays.

Hot to Get to Craters of the Moon National Monument
Closest Airport to Craters of the Moon National Monument - Portland or Seattle

How to Get to Craters of the Moon National Monument in your Car - From the North: From Roseburg - route 138 east to the park's north entrance. From Bend - Route 97 south to route 138 west to the park's north entrance. From the South: From Medford - Route 62 north and east to the park's west entrance. From Klamath Falls - Route 97 north to route 62 north and west to the park's south entrance.

Weather & Climate
Elevation at the visitor center is 5,900 feet. Average High/Low Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit: Jan. 29/10; Feb. 35/16; March 41/21; April 54/28; May 63/37; June 73/47; July 84/51; Aug. 80/45; Sept. 71/41; Oct. 61/31; Nov. 39/22; Dec. 31/12

Accessibility
Visitor Center is wheel chair accessible including restrooms. Deveil's Orchard Trail is a 1/2 mile wheelchair accessible loop trail. Campground Restroom is accessible.

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Where to Stay at Craters of the Moon National Monument

Camping and Campgrounds at Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon Campground
52-sites are available on a first come first serve basis; no reservations are accepted. Water, restrooms, charcoal grills, and picnic tables are provided. There are no hookups or showers, and no wood fires are permitted. Quiet hours are from 9 PM to 6 AM (no generators running, loud music, etc.). From October through May, water and other services are limited or unavailable. Campground is not plowed of snow in winter and the loop drive is closed at the visitor center and groomed for skiing. Skiers and snowshoers may winter camp at the campground (1/4 mile ski or snowshoe from the visitor center) or at Devil's Orchard (2 1/4 mile ski or snowshoe from the visitor center); shovel is required.

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What to Do at Craters of the Moon National Monument

Activities
Hiking
Photography
Biking
Camping
Bird watching
Backpacking
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing.